BIO
With experience leading kitchens across Canada, Barbados and Hong Kong, Chef and Co-Owner Kevin Shawcross brings a broad, globally layered perspective to AYLA Upstairs. His cooking reflects a fluent command of French, Mediterranean, Caribbean and Asian cuisines, united by bold flavour, refined technique and a strong ingredient-first philosophy.
Kevin’s style is shaped by a deep respect for soulful comfort cooking and the belief that food should feel both exciting and familiar. Drawing on global influences and a strong sustainability ethos, his dishes balance richness, restraint and a natural instinct for hospitality. Since AYLA opened, his work has been widely celebrated in Toronto, with the restaurant named one of Toronto Life’s Best New Restaurants of 2025 and featured in Taste Toronto, Toronto Star, The Kit and Foodism.
My Achievements
Fundraising Page
Updated Profile Pic
Added a Blog Post
Received First Donation
Halfway to Goal
Reached Goal
Our Team
Bob Blumer
Raised so far:
$290.38
Brandon Olsen
Raised so far:
$250.00
Chris Irving
Coulson Armstrong
Craig Wong
Danvee Kwok
Raised so far:
$40.00
David Schwartz
Raised so far:
$674.13
Eric Robertson
Raised so far:
$1,768.43
Eva Chin
Raised so far:
$105.42
Heidi Fink
Raised so far:
$247.57
Kenta Takahashi
Raised so far:
$111.32
Kevin Shawcross
Mark McCrowe
Mark McEwan
Raised so far:
$575.66
Marvin Palomo
Raised so far:
$250.00
Matt Basile
Raised so far:
$591.42
Michael Angeloni
Raised so far:
$55.66
Michelle Moraes
Raised so far:
$82.89
Miriam Echeverria
Raised so far:
$633.85
Ned Bell
Nuit Regular
Raised so far:
$1,000.00
Rob Thomas
Shane Chartrand
Raised so far:
$33.65
Shauna Godfrey
Raised so far:
$275.19
Steven Molnar
Raised so far:
$55.66
Vikram Vij
Raised so far:
$313.94
